Chuck Hinson has withdrawn from the race for Kirkland City Council leaving incumbent Bob Sternoff to face Kingsgate resident Jason Gardiner in the general election. "I have withdrawn my name from consideration for the City Council post No. 2," said Hinson via telephone, "After careful thought and deliberation I have decided the job requires more time than I can afford to give it right now. I am prepared to look ahead and maybe in two years reapply and maybe mount another campaign to serve the city of kirkland."

Sternoff will not face an August 16 primary election now that Hinson has withdrawn from the race. As of this writing, incumbent City Councilmember Dave Asher will face three opponents in the primary. The two candidates with the most votes will advance to the general election.